The U.S. Mint was created in 1792 and is charged with the production and circulation of coinage, paper money is produced by the U.S. Treasury’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing.  U.S. coins are used to conduct trade and commerce. The Mint is also responsible for the storage and movement bullion.  The U.S. Mint produces coins at four located in Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco and West Point.

History of the U.S. Mint

Once the Constitution was ratified, the Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, prepared plans for a national Mint.  On April 2, 1792, Congress passed The Coinage Act, creating the Mint.

The Mint was originally under the State Department and was made an independent agency in 1799.  The passage of The Coinage Act of 1873 placed the U.S. Mint under the Department of the Treasury.

United States Mint Facilities

There are five United States Mint facilities functioning today including a United States Bullion Depository, whose functions are to fill the United States’ need for circulating coins, comply with the Congressional mandate for numismatic products and to safeguard and store bullion reserves.

Each facility performs many different functions to ensure that all needs are met and all Congressional mandates are accomplished. The United States Mint headquarters, located in Washington, D.C., is responsible for policy formulation, administrative guidance, program management, research and development, marketing operations, customer services and order processing.

The United States Mint at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the oldest functioning facility. It is responsible for engraving and manufacturing coins and medal dies and the production of circulating and some commemorative coins. This facility and the United States Mint at Denver also conduct public tours.

The Denver facility, like the one in Philadelphia, primarily produces circulating coins. The United States Mint at San Francisco, California is responsible for producing proof coins for numismatic collectibles as well as some commemorative coins.

The United States Mint at West Point, located in New York, is responsible for manufacturing gold, silver, and platinum bullion, proof and uncirculated coins and also strikes some commemorative coins.

The United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox, located in Kentucky, is not a production facility—it stores precious metal bullion reserves for the United States.

Functions

The Mint manages extensive commercial marketing programs. The product line includes special coin sets for collectors, national medals, American Eagle gold, silver and platinum bullion coins, and commemorative coins marking national events such as the Bicentennial of the Constitution. The Mint’s functions include:

• Producing domestic, bullion and foreign coins;
• Manufacturing and selling national commemorative medals;
• Designing and producing the congressional gold medals;
• Designing, producing, and marketing special coinage;
• Safeguarding and controlling the movement of bullion;
• Disbursing gold and silver for authorized purposes;
• Distributing coins from the various mints to Federal Reserve Banks.

United States Mint Police

The U.S. Mint Police occupation was established in 1792 and is one of the oldest federal law enforcement organizations in the country.  Mint police protect over $100 billion in Treasury and other Government assets that are stored in facilities located in Philadelphia, PA, San Francisco CA, West Point, NY, Denver, CO, Fort Knox, KY and the Washington D.C. headquarters.  Their primary mission is to protect life, property, preventing, detecting, and investigating criminal acts, collecting and preserving evidence, making arrests and enforcing Federal and local laws.

Police Officer (GS-0083) Occupation

The federal government employs 14,087 police of which 230 work overseas. The Veterans Administration employs 3,378 followed by the Department of the Navy with 2800 civilians employed in this series. Over half of the cabinet level agencies hire police officers and security guards. There are also 4,717 security guards employed in the federal service. Most work for the Department of the Army.  Health and Human Services employs 237, while the Department of the Interior employs 182. The DOD, Navy, Air Force and others employ small numbers of security guards.

Occupational Interview with  Connie Rupp, a police officer (GS-0083) with the U.S. Mint stationed at Denver, CO.

Why did you decide to become a police officer?

I started as a Law Enforcement Officer in the US Air Force and knew I had found my place. After my tour of duty with the Air Force I sought a degree in Criminalistics and have continued with a Masters in Criminology. The field continues to fascinate me. I’ve been fortunate to work many aspects of the law enforcement field, from thecrime lab to dispatching and security to Police Officer. Police Officers have a special bond and sense of being part of an elite team. I cannot imagine doing anything else.

What is a typical day in the life of a police officer?

I think it’s important to point out that being a Police Officer isn’t an eight hour a day job, it is a 24/7 job. There’s a level of vigilance and an awareness of your surroundings that is always there. However, when I put on the uniform I know I represent the United States and all that makes it great. Working at the Mint is unique, not only in what we produce everyday but, that we welcome the public to observe and learn about it. I interact with the public as well as the employees on a daily basis. Most people have no idea that the U.S. Mint Police have been around for 224 years and are the third oldest federal law enforcement agency.  We keep the people and the assets safe. That’s a very important job!

Do you face any dangers as a police officer?

I believe there are more dangers now than ever before. It’s not just a local threat but, a global threat. That’s precisely why we should be vigilant and aware of everything going on around us.

What is the most rewarding experience of being a police officer?

Anytime I can do something to make someone’s day just a little bit better. Even if it is as small as giving directions or letting someone in the tour who didn’t know they needed reservations.

Would you recommend this as a good career option?

Absolutely, what we do here every day is unique and rewarding. I love my job! There are opportunities to advance and new skills to acquire. The Mint Police encourage both personal and professional growth. I am grateful for the opportunity. An example of this is that each year we fill out an individual development plan (IDP) where we set short term and long term goals. When the training goals benefit the Officer and the Division, they are willing to invest in the Officer. The Mint is the only job where I’ve experienced this type of support. In addition, the benefits are good and retirement attainable.

Duties of a Police Officer

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
• Salary is $36,069.00 to $46,888.00 per year.

Information from opm.gov on experience for a GS-0083 series:

Experience

General Experience (for positions at GS-4 and below): Qualifying general experience includes experience in administrative, clerical, technical, or military work that involved protecting property, equipment, data, or materials; or that involved making judgments based on the application of directions, rules, regulations, or laws.

Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): Experience that provided knowledge of a body of basic laws and regulations, law enforcement operations, practices, and techniques and involved responsibility for maintaining order and protecting life and property. Creditable specialized experience may have been gained in work on a police force; through service as a military police officer; in work providing visitor protection and law enforcement in parks, forests, or other natural resource or recreational environments; in performing criminal investigative duties; or in other work that provided the required knowledge and skills.

Successful completion of a Federal, State, county, or municipal police academy or comparable training course that included at least 40 classroom hours of instruction in police department procedures and methods, and local law and regulations, may be substituted for a maximum of 3 months of specialized experience or 6 months of general experience.

No substitution of education or training may be made for the required specialized experience at GS-6 and above.

Medical Requirements

The duties of these positions require moderate to arduous physical exertion and/or duties of a hazardous nature. The following medical requirements apply to all applicants: good near and distant vision, ability to distinguish basic colors, and ability to hear the conversational voice. Agencies may establish additional, job-related physical or medical requirements if the specific position(s) involves the arduous or hazardous duties to which the physical requirements relate.

Information from ooh.gov on the police officer:

Qualities

• Communication skills. Police, detectives, and fish and game wardens must be able to speak with people when gathering facts about a crime and to express details about a given incident in writing.
• Empathy. Police officers need to understand the perspectives of a wide variety of people in their jurisdiction and have a willingness to help the public.
• Good judgment. Police and detectives must be able to determine the best way to solve a wide array of problems quickly.
• Leadership skills. Police officers must be comfortable with being a highly visible member of their community, as the public looks to them for assistance in emergency situations.
• Perceptiveness. Officers, detectives, and fish and game wardens must be able to anticipate a person’s reactions and understand why people act a certain way.
• Physical stamina. Officers and detectives must be in good physical shape, both to pass required tests for entry into the field, and to keep up with the daily rigors of the job.
• Physical strength. Police officers must be strong enough to physically apprehend offenders.

Job Listings

• Police Officer
• Detective
• Security Guard
• USAJOBS GS-0085

Credit

• Michael White, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Mint, Washington, D.C.
• www.usmint.gov 
• Photos provided by the U.S. Mint

Helpful Career Planning Tools 

• Applying For Federal Jobs
• Federal Career Development Guide 

The information provided may not cover all aspects of unique or special circumstances, federal and postal regulations, and programs are subject to change. Our articles and replies are time sensitive. Over time, various dynamic human resource guidance and factors relied upon as a basis for this article may change. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation and this service is not affiliated with OPM, the postal service or any federal entity. You should consult with school counselors, hiring agency personnel offices, and human resource professionals where appropriate. Neither the publisher or author shall be liable for any loss or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

In this final article covering the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) we interview Michael L Ramirez, a research chemist (GS-1320) for the Bureau of Printing and Engraving. According to the Bureau of Labor Statics (BLS) chemists research and solve a wide range of problems and are employed in a similarly wide range of industries. About a third of all chemists are employed in chemical manufacturing industries; the remainder work at colleges and universities, in government, and for independent testing and research laboratories.

The federal government employs 5,665 chemists of which 24 work overseas. The Department of Health and Human Services is the largest employer of chemists with 2,057, followed by the Department of the Army with 623 civilian employees, and the Department of the Navy with 567. The EPA employs 464 and the Department of the Treasury 58. Small numbers work for other cabinet level and large independent agencies. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is under the Treasury Department.

Some chemical manufacturing industries, such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, increasingly may be outsourcing their R&D activities, rather than doing the research in-house. This outsourcing strategy is likely to cause faster growth in the employment of chemists in small, independent research-and-development firms than in the more traditional large manufacturers.

Interview with Michael L. Ramirez

Michael L. Ramirez is a research chemist (GS-1320), and works for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC.

Why did you become a chemist?

I was always into science as a kid. I had a microscope and many science kits. I wanted to study medicine. When I went to college I discovered that my passion was research. As a chemist, I have completed projects in the fields of Biology, Chemistry, and Polymers.

What is the most interesting project you have worked on as a chemist?

Chemistry is always interesting. I have worked in the development of fire resistant materials for aircrafts, detection of explosives in the environment, and now I support the manufacturing of U.S. currency at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. What can be more interesting than that; millions of people know our products.

What is a typical day for a chemist?

In my current position I support many projects related to the characterization and testing of materials we use to print U.S. paper currency. A typical day starts by visiting the laboratories and discussing with other chemists the requests that we have for the day. I attend multiple meetings to discuss properties of new materials and the development of specifications and test methods.

Would you recommend a chemist as a good occupation to pursue?

Yes. I would recommend chemistry as a good profession; chemistry opens doors for careers in many fields.

Note: All Occupations (includes all occupations) in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics

The median annual wage for chemists was $71,260 in May 2015. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,110, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $125,450.

In May 2015, the median annual wages for chemists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Employment of chemists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average for all occupations. Many chemists are employed in manufacturing industries that are projected to decline.

Employment of chemists is projected to grow 3 percent as they continue to be needed in scientific research and development (R&D) and to monitor the quality of products and processes.

Chemists research and solve a wide range of problems and are employed in a similarly wide range of industries. About a third of all chemists are employed in chemical manufacturing industries; the remainder work at colleges and universities, in government, and for independent testing and research laboratories. Some chemical manufacturing industries, such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, increasingly may be outsourcing their R&D activities, rather than doing the research in-house. This outsourcing strategy is likely to cause faster growth in the employment of chemists in small, independent research-and-development firms than in the more traditional large manufacturers.

Duties, Qualifications and Education

The following information is excerpted from the Bureau of Labor Statics website.

Duties

Chemists typically do the following:

• Plan and carry out complex research projects, such as the development of new products and testing methods
• Direct technicians and other workers in testing and analyzing components and the physical properties of materials
• Instruct scientists and technicians on proper chemical processing and testing procedures, including ingredients, mixing times, and operating temperatures
• Prepare solutions, compounds, and reagents used in laboratory procedures
• Analyze substances to determine their composition and concentration of elements
• Conduct tests on materials and other substances to ensure that safety and quality standards are met
• Write technical reports that detail methods and findings
• Present research findings to scientists, engineers, and other colleagues

Some chemists work in basic research. Others work in applied research. In basic research, chemists investigate the properties, composition, and structure of matter. They also experiment with combinations of elements and the ways in which they interact. In applied research, chemists investigate possible new products and ways to improve existing ones. Chemistry research has led to the discovery and development of new and improved drugs, plastics, and cleaners, as well as thousands of other products.

Chemists often specialize in a particular branch of the field. The following are examples of types of chemists:

Analytical chemists determine the structure, composition, and nature of substances by examining and identifying their various elements or compounds. They also study the relationships and interactions among the parts of compounds. Some analytical chemists specialize in developing new methods of analysis and new techniques for carrying out their work. Their research has a wide range of applications, including food safety, pharmaceuticals, and pollution control.

Inorganic chemists study the structure, properties, and reactions of molecules that do not contain carbon, such as metals. They work to understand the behavior and the characteristics of inorganic substances. Inorganic chemists figure out, how these materials, such as ceramics and superconductors, can be modified, separated, or used in products.

Medicinal chemists research and develop chemical compounds that can be used as pharmaceutical drugs. They work on teams with other scientists and engineers to create and test new drug products. They also help develop new and improved manufacturing processes to produce new drugs on a large scale effectively.

Organic chemists study the structure, properties, and reactions of molecules that contain carbon. They also design and make new organic substances that have unique properties and applications. These compounds in turn, have been used to develop many commercial products, such as pharmaceutical drugs and plastics.

Physical chemists study the fundamental characteristics of how matter behaves on a molecular and atomic level and how chemical reactions occur. On the basis of their analyses, physical chemists may develop new theories, such as how complex structures are formed. Physical chemists often work closely with materials scientists, to research and develop potential uses for new materials.

Theoretical chemists investigate theoretical methods that can predict the outcomes of chemical experiments. Theoretical chemistry encompasses a variety of specializations itself, although most specializations incorporate advanced computation and programming. Some examples of theoretical chemists are computational chemists, mathematical chemists, and chemical informaticians.

Education

A bachelor’s degree in chemistry or in a related field is needed for entry-level chemist jobs. Many jobs require a master’s degree or a Ph.D. and also may require significant levels of work experience. Chemists with a Ph.D. and postdoctoral experience typically lead basic- or applied-research teams.

Many colleges and universities offer degree programs in chemistry that are approved by the American Chemical Society. High school students can prepare for college coursework by taking chemistry, math, and computer science classes.

Undergraduate chemistry majors typically are required to take courses in analytical, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry. In addition to chemistry coursework, they take classes in mathematics, biological sciences, and physics. Computer science courses are essential, because chemists and materials scientists need computer skills to perform modeling and simulation tasks, manage and manipulate databases, and operate computerized laboratory equipment.

Laboratory experience, either at a college or university, or through internships, fellowships, or work–study programs in industry, is also useful.

Graduate students studying chemistry commonly specialize in a subfield, such as analytical chemistry or inorganic chemistry. For example, those interested in doing research in the pharmaceutical industry usually develop a strong background in medicinal or organic chemistry.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Chemists carry out scientific experiments and studies. They must be precise and accurate in their analyses, because errors could invalidate their research.

Communication skills. Chemists need to communicate with team members and other scientists. They must be able to read and write technical reports and give presentations.

Critical-thinking skills. Chemists carefully evaluate their own work and the work of others. They must determine if results and conclusions are based on sound science.

Interpersonal skills. Chemists typically work on interdisciplinary research teams and need to work well with others toward a common goal. Many serve as team leaders and must be able to motivate and direct other team members.

Math skills. Chemists regularly use complex mathematical equations and formulas, and they need a broad understanding of mathematics, including calculus, algebra, and statistics.

Organizational skills. Chemists scientists need to document processes carefully in order to conform to regulations and industry procedures. Disorganization in the workplace can lead to legal problems, damage to equipment, and chemical spills.

Problem-solving skills. Chemists research and develop new and improved chemical products, processes, and materials. This work requires a great deal of trial and error on the part of chemists and materials scientists before a unique solution is found.

Time-management skills.Chemists usually need to meet deadlines when conducting research. They must be able to manage time and prioritize tasks efficiently while maintaining their quality of work.

The Bureau of Printing and Engraving use chemists to help in the development and manufacturing of U.S. monetary currency. Chemists will always be needed, because research never stops and there are always new discoveries to be made.

Credit

• Lydia Washington, Public Affairs Officer, Bureau of Engraving and Printing – DC Facility (Washington, DC)
• www.bep.treas.gov
• Photos provided by the Bureau of Printing and Engraving

Helpful Career Planning Tools 

• Applying For Federal Jobs
• Civil Service Exams
• Law Enforcement Jobs
• Overseas Jobs
• Interview Preparation
• Veteran’s Preference
• Take Charge of Your Federal Career; An Action Oriented Career Management Workbook for Federal Employees

Visit our other informative site

• http://FederalJobs.net (Explore occupations, find jobs and application guidance)
• http://www.FedCareerInfo.com (Federal Employee’s Career Development Center)
• http://federalretirement.net  (Retirement & other federal employee benefits)
• http://PostalWork.net (Postal occupations and  exams)
• http://www.SearchFedJobs.com  (Consolidated job search)

The information provided may not cover all aspects of unique or special circumstances, federal and postal regulations, and programs are subject to change. Our articles and replies are time sensitive. Over time, various dynamic human resource guidance and factors relied upon as a basis for this article may change. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation and this service is not affiliated with OPM, the postal service or any federal entity. You should consult with school counselors, hiring agency personnel offices, and human resource professionals where appropriate. Neither the publisher or author shall be liable for any loss or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

Printing Jobs

This article features the engraver (WG-4413) and platemaker (WG-4416) Printing Family occupations that are responsible for how money is actually made.

There are 1,051 federal workers employed in the WG-4400 Printing Family of which 560 work for the Government Printing Office according to OPM’s Employment Data Base of March 2016. The Department of the Treasury employs an additional 434 employees in the WG-4400 Family. Small numbers are also employed by the Department of Agriculture, Department of Justice, Social Security and a few others. There are a small number of engravers and a total of 16 plate makers currently employed in these occupations.

The majority of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) jobs are located in Washington, D.C. or Fort Worth Texas. The BEP is under the Department of the Treasury.

Other printing occupations include: (The number of employed is listed in parentheses after the occupational title)

• Bindery Work WG-4401 (173)
• Miscellaneous Printing and Publishing WG-4402 (206)
• Letterpress Operating WG-4403 (176)
• Offset Photography WG-4410 (4)
• Offset Press Operating WG-4417 (80)
• Bookbinding WG-4441 (61)
• Electrolytic Intaglio Plate Making WG-4449 (21)
• Intaglio Press Operating WG-4454 (144)

In this article we interviewed three highly skilled Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) employees;  William Fleishell, a picture engrave, Kenneth Kipperman, a journeyman picture engraver, and Kenneth Garner, a platemaker, all three work in Washington, D.C. You can learn more about how money is made on the Bureau of Printing web site.

Q&A with William Fleishell

William Fleishell,is a picture engraver for the Bureau of Engraving & Printing located in Washington, DC.

Why did you become an engraver?

In 1988 I applied and interviewed for the job of Apprentice Picture Engraver with an art portfolio review. Previously, I had been to art school and was working as a free-lance artist helping my father with his own art business. I was also going to school to study medical illustration. Being a printmaking major, as well as a painter and sculptor in art school, I had an understanding of line drawing and had always worked on intricate and highly traditional drawings that were very similar to engravings. I had done etching and had even had experience with gravers before starting at BEP, but nowhere near the level of bank note engraving. It seemed to be a perfect fit for my abilities and background. In addition to this, I came from a family where familiarity with printing arts was common and seen as a viable occupation.

What is the most interesting project you have worked on as an engraver?

That is hard to say. I suppose, over the years, working on the various portraits of dignitaries has been the most interesting work I have done. I’m trained as a portrait artist and making engraved portraits is what I feel I that can do best. Over the past 28 years I have had the opportunity to engrave many bank note style portraits of living people, and have had all sorts of experiences working on these projects. One of the most interesting projects was working on the portrait of Chief Justice John Roberts. It was an arduous process and it took a long time to make this project happen; but in the end, the hard work and efforts were justified and the result worked to his satisfaction.

What is a typical day for an engraver?

Throughout the day I work on various traditional and digital engraving projects and stock work. When required, I also work on plate inspection and repair, conduct specialized tour visits, do training, and, at times, assist the apprentices with their work.

Would you recommend an engraver as a good occupation to pursue?

It all depends on the personal temperament of the person and their ability as a professional artist. This is not a business that just anyone can walk into. You have to bring to the table an already established set of sophisticated skills that are seldom seen even in traditional art schools. Therefore, finding a candidate for this type of work can take years. If an aspiring artist has the ability to focus and concentrate, the ability and patience to sit with the same art job for months and months on end, an inherent ability to be critical with extremely high standards, and a sense of stability whereby one would be capable of staying in the same place and job for many decades—then yes, indeed I would recommend this job to that artist. But through the years, I have met only a very tiny handful of people of who fit that description.

Q & A with Kenneth Kipperman

Kenneth Kipperman is a journeyman picture engraver for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing located in Washington DC.

Why did you become an engraver?

In my early years I won a number of art scholarships. I was then trying to find anything in the field of art. I answered an ad in the New York Times newspaper. The American Banknote Company, the leader in Security printing around the world, was interested in interviewing people for the Picture Engraving apprenticeship. I submitted my portfolio and was accepted for the 10-year picture engraving apprenticeship.

What is the most interesting project you have worked on as an engraver?

The most interesting project I’ve worked on was the portrait of Alexander Hamilton that appears on our $10 bill.

What is a typical day for an engraver?

Currently I’m working on an engraving of a naval battle scene. At a moment’s notice, I may also be asked to inspect and repair master plates, altos, and printing plates. I also help my coworkers any way I can in traditional hand engraving, plate repair, and tool making.

Would you recommend an engraver as a good occupation to pursue?

Yes. There are many styles of engraving, but I find hand engraving, as an occupation, to be the most rewarding and challenging in this digital age.

Qualifications of an engraver

The standard for engravers is at one grade level which is a WG-10, and the salary is $62,011.00. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply to be an engraver.

The following information from the Federal Wage System Job Grading Standard for Negative Engraving, 4413 is just a partial list of skills necessary to be an engraver.

• Grade 10 negative engravers perform the full range of tasks of engraving. They interpret job specifications and instructions and organize work assignments such as engraving a complete map or chart, making extensive corrections or modifications to existing charts or reviewing the completed work of other negative engravers as a cross-check against errors or omissions.
• The negative engravers receive hand compiled manuscripts, including overlays, and plan the procedures to be followed. They analyze and order or prepare photographic manuscript images on scribecote and photographic copy of master projections and grids. They plot and engrave the layout of master projections and grids when required and engrave map or chart features on scribecote to form the final negative.
• Knowledge of a number of United States and foreign systems of symbology such as topographic and hydrographic symbols to describe a wide range of manmade and natural features in order to select the appropriate symbols for the material to be produced or transcribe publications of foreign origin for United States issuance. Knowledge of various systems of nautical or aeronautical navigation aids, typical positioning of these aids and appropriate symbology.
• Knowledge of Federal and international agency specifications governing such things as layout of products, line weights required for various purposes, typefaces to be used, and tolerances allowable, in order to comply with the requirements of the various types of projects.
• Skill in the use of measuring instruments such as dividers, protractors, English and metric scales, and microscopes with calibrated scales in order to accurately position base and overlay negatives for exact registration, assure exact positioning of navigation aids, or check the accuracy of line width.

Our next Question and Answer is with a platemaker Kenneth A. Garner.

Q&A with Kenneth A. Garner

Kenneth A. Garner is a platemaker for the Bureau of Printing and Engraving and located in Washington D.C.

Why did you become a platemaker?

As a BEP Machinist, I didn’t have direct involvement in the currency printing process and I was eager to be a part of that process. So, I devoted a number of additional hours to assist with grinding plates, which sparked my interest to become a Plate Maker.

What is the most interesting project you ever worked on as a platemaker?

My most interesting projects were recreating the 1986 State Department (Great Seal) die and working on the new design layout moving from 32-subject plates to 50-subject plates.

What is a typical day like as a platemaker?

A typical day as a Plate Maker is to complete plates from the production order provided in a timely manner. (A full description of plate production can be found at http://www.bep.gov/hmimplatemaking.html).

Would you recommend the job of platemaker as a good career to pursue?

I would definitely recommend obtaining a job as a Platemaker. The pay is great and the high demand to produce currency ensures job security.

Qualifications for Platemaker

The typical grades for a platemaker are from WG-5 to WG-8. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.

The following information from the Federal Wage System Job Grading Standard for Offset Platemaking, 4416 this is just a partial list of skills necessary to be a platemaker.

Grade 5

• The grade 5 platemaker follows established procedures to produce line and halftone offset plates (when halftone quality is not a critical requirement) by superimposing photographic negatives or positives onto presensitized or machine coated plates through single flat exposures. The offset plates are used in press operations to produce a variety of printed materials.
• The grade 5 platemaker must be familiar with the basic techniques and procedures to produce offset plates requiring single flat exposures of halftone and/or line film negatives or positives.

There is no Grade 6 information cited.

Grade 7

• The grade 7 platemaker uses established procedures for superimposing line, halftone and other images from photographic negatives or positives onto presensitized or machine coated plates through single and double flat exposures to produce offset plates. The offset printing plates are used in subsequent press operations to produce a variety of printed materials.
• The grade 7 platemaker performs platemaking operations such as single and/or double exposures, which require skill in the alignment of flat(s) to plate, variation in lengths of exposure, the use of screen tints, masking, step and repeat procedures, exposing and developing the plate.

Grade 8

• In comparison with the single and double-exposure type of platemaking performed by the grade 7 platemaker, the grade 8 platemaker performs single, double and multiple flat exposures requiring hairlines [plus or minus .008 cm (.003 inches)] or critical [plus or minus .003 cm (.001 inches) or finer] alignment tolerances of several separate line and halftone negatives (flats), symbol and tint screens, and film masks and traps to a single plate.
• Grade 8 platemakers have the ability to read and interpret work orders and the trade knowledge to select proper type of plate, processes, solutions, and equipment to be used.

The engraver and platemaker jobs are very technical and require specialized skills in order to make our paper currency properly. In our final article we will discuss the job occupation of the Research Chemist (GS-1320).

Credit

• Lydia Washington, Public Affairs Officer, Bureau of Engraving and Printing – DC Facility (Washington, DC)
• www.bep.treas.gov
• Photos provided by the Bureau of Printing and Engraving

Helpful Career Planning Tools

• Applying For Federal Jobs
• Civil Service Exams
• Law Enforcement Jobs
• Overseas Jobs
• Interview Preparation
• Veteran’s Preference
• Take Charge of Your Federal Career; An Action Oriented Career Management Workbook for Federal Employees

Visit our other informative site

• http://FederalJobs.net (Explore occupations, find jobs and application guidance)
• http://www.FedCareerInfo.com (Federal Employee’s Career Development Center)
• http://federalretirement.net  (Retirement & other federal employee benefits)
• http://PostalWork.net (Postal occupations and  exams)
• http://www.SearchFedJobs.com  (Consolidated job search)

The information provided may not cover all aspects of unique or special circumstances, federal and postal regulations, and programs are subject to change. Our articles and replies are time sensitive. Over time, various dynamic human resource guidance and factors relied upon as a basis for this article may change. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation and this service is not affiliated with OPM, the postal service or any federal entity. You should consult with school counselors, hiring agency personnel offices, and human resource professionals where appropriate. Neither the publisher or author shall be liable for any loss or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other damages.

Astronauts are probably the most recognized occupation at NASA. Since the beginning of the space program, they have provided an opportunity for people who wanted to explore the galaxy.

Astronauts are recruited in the GS-0801 job series and NASA has selected more than 300 astronauts to fly on its increasingly challenging missions to explore space and benefit life on Earth. More will be needed to crew future ISS missions, as well as, the missions beyond low earth orbit.

In this final article in this series, we interviewed Barry E. “Butch” Wilmore, a Navy Captain, who is an aviator and astronaut assigned to the Johnson Space Flight Center, in Houston, TX. The name “Butch” is his Navy Call sign which followed him to NASA.

According to the NASA website, “The term “astronaut” is derived from the Greek words meaning “space sailor,” and refers to all who have been launched as crew members aboard NASA spacecraft bound for orbit and beyond.”

The next class of astronauts may fly on any of four different U.S. spacecraft during their careers: the International Space Station (ISS), two new commercial spacecraft being built by U.S. companies, and NASA’s Orion deep-space exploration vehicle. NASA is in the midst of an unprecedented transition to using commercial spacecraft for its scheduled crew and cargo transport to the ISS. For the last 15 years, humans have been living continuously aboard the orbiting laboratory, expanding scientific knowledge and demonstrating new technologies. Future crewmembers will continue this work.

Additionally, the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, now in development, will launch astronauts on missions to the proving ground of lunar orbit where NASA will learn to conduct complex operations in a deep space environment before moving on to longer duration missions on the journey to Mars.

Q&A with Barry E. “Butch” Wilmore

Why did you become an astronaut?

I joined the U.S. Navy with a desire to do my part for my Country and eventually attained sufficient qualifications to apply to NASA as a Shuttle Pilot Astronaut. With a desire to continue to serve this great nation while continuing to fly, it was obvious that you can’t fly any higher or faster than a Space Shuttle … so I decided to apply and was eventually selected.

What is the most exciting event as an astronaut?

There can be no one most exciting event as spaceflight is filled with continuous “WOW” moments on almost a daily basis. Just realizing that for a time you’ve left the confines of earth and are no longer a member of that global family is daunting in and of itself. Of course the initial moments of weightlessness following a thrilling Shuttle launch, hand flying the Space Shuttle around the International Space Station (ISS) and spending 25 ½ hours outside the ISS during 4 spacewalks are certainly some of the highlights I’ll always remember.

What is most challenging about being an astronaut?

Balance. As an Astronaut one has so many responsibilities and expectations that maintaining the necessary balance of life is always a challenge. As an Astronaut I somewhat jokingly say that we’re expected to know everything and perform it well. With those expectations we also have greater responsibilities as Husbands, Wives, Fathers and Mother and to our Lord in service within His church. Maintaining that appropriate balance continually on my mind and is continually a challenge.

What was the most dangerous event as an astronaut?

NASA is filled with dedicated, talented and passionate individuals that make spaceflight and everything else we do appear to be routine when it’s actually all but routine. Everything we do from preparations for launch, the launch itself, on orbit operations, and entry and landing are all so very dangerous. What a terrific blessing to work with professionals whose combined efforts make things so dangerous appear to be routine.

Would you recommend this as a good career choice?

If you seek a position where service to your country is at the top of the list and you’re passionate about being a part something great that has been and will continue to be of great benefit to all mankind, then the choice of Astronaut is the position for you.

What else would you like to add about being an astronaut?

The views of earth from space are literally out of this world !!!!!

General Program Requirements

In the article on the recruitment of astronauts for the Mars program, we discussed qualifications, and education that is required to be an astronaut. Here are some additional requirements to be aware of.

Selected applicants will be designated astronaut candidates and will be assigned to the Astronaut Office at the Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas.  The astronaut candidates will undergo a training and evaluation period lasting approximately 2 years, during which time they will participate in the basic astronaut candidate training program, which is designated to develop the knowledge and skills required for formal mission training upon selection for a flight. Astronaut candidates (with jet piloting backgrounds) will maintain proficiency in NASA aircraft during their candidate period.

As part of the astronaut candidate training program, astronaut candidates are required to complete military water survival before beginning their flying syllabus, and become SCUBA qualified to prepare them for the EVA training.  Consequently, all astronaut candidates will be required to pass a swimming test.

Applicants should be aware that selection as an astronaut candidate does not ensure selection as an astronaut.  Final selection as an astronaut will depend upon satisfactory completion of the training and evaluation period. Graduation from the astronaut candidate program will require successful completion of the following: International Space Station systems training, Extravehicular Activity skills training, Robotics skills training, Russian language training, and aircraft flight readiness training.

Being an astronaut is one of many great job opportunities, but it is not the only one. Go and explore what NASA has to offer!

Credits

• Angela D. Storey, Public Affairs Officer, Marshall Space Flight Center
• Photos provided by NASA
• NASA website: www.nasa.gov

Other Career Information

• Employment: http://www.nasa.gov/about/career/index.html
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